Texas has legalized medical cannabis with physician’s authorization. Low-THC cannabis may only be prescribed to those suffering from epilepsy or certain neurodegenerative conditions; some cities within Texas have decriminalized cannabis with “cite and release policies”, where police officers issue tickets instead of arresting minor cannabis offenders.
Legal Status
Medical marijuana has recently been legalized across a number of US states, but many still wonder about what delta-8 THC is and if it is legal in Texas.
Texas medical cannabis is only legal with a valid medical cannabis recommendation on the Compassionate Use Registry. Low-THC CBD oils may be prescribed instead of smoking; physicians must verify that a qualifying health condition exists before prescribing cannabis over any possible risks or side effects.
Texas’ list of qualifying conditions may seem short compared to that of other states, but this law enables Texas’ program to expand. Recently added conditions include all forms of cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, THC limits for medicinal cannabis products were increased from 0.5% to 1%.
Medical cannabis can help treat many symptoms, from pain to insomnia and nausea. Compared to conventional medications, it generally has fewer side effects; and can even decrease opioid and prescription drug dependence. To qualify for medical marijuana in Texas, patients must be permanent residents with valid diagnoses from licensed doctors; age restrictions do not exist for anyone under 18, but children aged 17-18 must obtain permission from either their legal guardian or parent before accessing medication from registered dispensaries – recreational marijuana use remains illegal there and any possession can result in criminal charges.
Availability
Many Texas residents suffer from conditions requiring the use of medical cannabis. Due to kidney and digestive tract issues, they may not be able to take over-the-counter pain relievers as an effective option, thus turning to cannabis as a safe and natural pain relief alternative. With Sanctuary Wellness Institute as their guide and advisor on local rules and regulations they can begin using medical marijuana safely without difficulty.
In 2015, Texas lawmakers passed a bill legalizing low-THC cannabis for people suffering from intractable epilepsy. The law established a maximum THC content of 0.5% and required patient approval by two physicians before using medical marijuana in Texas. Since then, state lawmakers have passed several amendments expanding qualifying conditions as well as increasing THC limits.
However, advocates have advocated for greater changes to California law regarding medical cannabis use. They have noted that California’s medical cannabis program is more restrictive than others with legalization; additionally they call for federal reform which would enable doctors to recommend rather than prescribe cannabis treatment.
Statutory Guidelines
Texas allows medical marijuana patients to legally possess and purchase low-dose THC cannabis products like oil or tinctures legally. State law does not allow smoking cannabis products, and patients must consume their medication on private property only in an environment they feel safe. Texans may still face arrest if found in possession of cannabis – it’s essential to know what the rules and regulations of your county are before using cannabis medicinally.
State law in Illinois initially limited patients’ access to cannabis oils and tinctures containing less than 1% THC to prevent overconsumption, however these restrictions could change in the future as state officials consider redefinitions of terms like “hemp” and “THC”, potentially providing chronic pain patients with more effective products for treating themselves.
Unfortunately, Texas does not yet qualify as a state for medical marijuana use to treat HIV or glaucoma; both conditions remain outside this list despite popular demand.
Historical Background
Texas laws restrict medical cannabis access only to patients with a valid doctor’s prescription, with restrictions placed upon which ailments qualify and which products can be included under the Compassionate Use Act program. Yet many patients still find medical cannabis effective for treating their symptoms; and with recent legislation changes making low-THC CBD oil and tincture legal for medical patients – although still subject to restrictions and THC limits – it represents progress toward greater access.
